Who Plays Russian Spy Matthew Doward In BBC’s Vigil?

The BBC’s Vigil tells the gripping story of an underwater investigation following a mysterious casualty that occurs onboard a Trident nuclear submarine. The stellar cast of the series, which has fast become the most-watch TV drama of 2021, includes the likes of Martin Compston and Suranne Jones. But, who is Lorne MacFyaden, the actor who plays Lieutenant Matthew Doward in Vigil?

Born on the Isle of Skye, MacFayden graduated from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2015, and the BBC’s Vigil isn’t his first foray into TV. In 2014 he starred in Shetland: Blue Lighting as Angus Tulloch. He was also a series regular in the first three seasons of Grantchester, in which he played DC Phil Wilkinson. In 2016 he played Darryl Quinn in the ITV thriller The Level, and the following year portrayed the legendary footballer Bobby Moore in ITV’s Tina and Bobby.

Beyond the screen, MacFayden has starred in a number of stage productions, including the National Theatre, where he played Duncan in Peter Gynt. He also took on the character of Alfieri in A View From The Bridge, Antonio in The Merchant of Venice, and Horner in The Country Wife, all at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Speaking about his theatre work and drama school via Interview he said, “I've really got to try things; I got to play parts out of my age range and out of my casting—it’s a really good opportunity for that. Most people at this stage don’t put the trust in you to play something wildly different from yourself, so my only opportunity for that sort of thing was in drama school. But sometimes there is more drama off the stage than on it.”

While he’s had success on stage and in TV series, it hasn’t stopped MacFadyen branching out to playing characters on the big screen too. In 2018 he took on roles in Outlaw King alongside Chris Pine and The Little Stranger, directed by Normal People's Lenny Abrahamson.

As mentioned, MacFayden’s most recent performance can be enjoyed in BBC’s Vigil. Penned by acclaimed screenwriter Tom Edge, the drama centres on an investigation into a mysterious casualty on board a Trident nuclear submarine. In the series, MacFadyen plays Lieutenant Matthew Doward.

Per the Metro, the actor previously opened up about his time filming the hit BBC drama, revealing that he was forced to keep details of the show’s plot under wraps. “Keeping it from my family and friends was the best thing ever,” he explained at a press event.

Speaking to the Independent, MacFadyen also said it was a “privilege” to be at the centre of Vigil’s success. “I’m getting people messaging me who I haven’t spoken to for years saying they’re really enjoying it,” he told the publication. “Every week there’s a massive twist or reveal and that’s what the nation needs right now: a big, fun exciting drama for everyone to get behind.”